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From: Gerry ([email protected])
Date: 26/09/03
Time: 00:52:18
Remote Name: 211.26.122.61
I have just posted, and now read, other posts relating to Cipramil and I can relate to so many stories ! It's a sad fact that we, collectively, are on this 'merry go round' of drug and effects. One thing that I have experienced, and the more I think about it, the more sense it makes, is, that, stopping or reducing the dose tends to bring early signs of withdrawl, including what could be mistaken for either depression or anxiety. This has happened to me, making me think I *need* the tablets etc. Even my partner said that she noticed the difference when I wasn't taking them each day and trying to get off them. On one occasion that was why I actually went back to a daily dose. The fact is that these symptoms are (or can be) transient and that persevering will get past that stage. Ignoring that fact leads to a 'chicken and egg' situation I believe. I now intend to get off Cipramil altogether, get past all these withdrawl symptoms and try and get my life back - as well as part of each day I now spend in lethargy or sleep ! I'm no expert and I could have it totally wrong but, I think I read that fatigue can be caused by increased serotonin levels in the brain. Depressed people have low levels and drugs like Cipramil and others increase the level. So, in the scenario where a person isn't actually depressed, per se, taking a drug which increases these levels = increased fatigue. Is this a sound theory ? Does it follow then (if it is) that anyone who has this side effect isn't really depressed but has some other cause ? I actually think the drug companies, in their research into contraindications, have a vested interest in diminishing effects listed, after all, they are commercial organisations who want to sell their product. I also think that the majority of doctors have little experience in the effects of these drugs and tend to prescribe because they're the 'drug of the moment' or because of inducements from drug companies. I may be being over cynical here but I do know that it happens. In any event, the number of stories on this forum point to the fact that not enough is known - or published, about the real effects and bad effects of these drugs. I know that I'll go through withdrawl but I will do my best to get past it as I think that, far from improving my quality of life, Cipramil is harming it. Good luck to anyone in a similar position and I'll answer any emails I get - after all, we all need all the support we can get it seems !!